scale
Fretboard diagram
A minor blues scale — chords and intervals
Harmonizing the A minor blues scale produces a chord family with built-in blues tension thanks to the chromatic passing tone between the fourth and fifth degrees. The chords of A minor blues are A suspended fourth, C minor, D suspended second, C minor, D suspended second, C minor. The 12-bar blues form (I-IV-V) is the most famous application of these harmonies. The blue note adds a diminished quality that gives chord transitions a gritty, emotional edge — the defining sound of Delta, Chicago, and electric blues. Commonly used in Blues, Rock, Jazz, R&B. Notable players include Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy.
The A minor blues scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭3 4 ♭5 5 ♭7.
Intervals: 3H-W-H-H-3H-W.
Diatonic chords: A suspended fourth, C minor, D suspended second, C minor, D suspended second, C minor.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | A suspended fourth |
| ii | C minor |
| iii | D suspended second |
| IV | C minor |
| V | D suspended second |
| vi | C minor |
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the A minor blues scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the A minor blues scale on guitar.
minor blues is the Minor pentatonic with added b5 blue note. View A Minor pentatonic scale
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over minor chords and dominant 7th chords in blues. The b5 is a passing tone — linger on it for tension, resolve to 4 or 5.